Coke Says It Spent 120M On Health Research

ATLANTA -- As part of the company's transparency campaign, Coca-Cola Co. is reporting how much it spent on donations to health research organizations since 2010. The $120 million went to research and nutritional programs, according to a post at the beverage company's website. Some of the beneficiaries include the American Cancer Society, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

The world's biggest beverage maker had pledged last month that it would be more transparent about the health programs and messaging it funds. The pledge came after a story in The New York Times detailed the company's financial support for the Global Energy Balance Network. The story said the group promotes the idea that people are overly fixated on how much they're eating, rather than how much they're exercising.

In its website post, Coca-Cola said it spent $21.8 million on scientific research since 2010. It also spent $96.8 million on "health and well-being partnerships," including payments to dozens of dietitians and others who share their views with the public.